Expert Insights
I was horrified to read that opioid-related deaths are now the leading cause of death in Pierce County. In the state of Washington, overdose deaths are growing most among young people, aged just 18 to 24. It looks like the rise in fentanyl is the main reason for the rapid increase in deaths, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. But when I look at their website for treatment services, there is just one state walk-in clinic and a telephone number to call for treatment. Frankly, I think there needs to be more than a walk-in clinic and harm reduction supplies. I know harm reduction saves lives, but with the rapidly increasing rate of overdose deaths, I think Tacoma needs more treatment centers, clinics, and resources if we stand a chance at really tackling opioid overdoses.
~ Olivia Pennelle
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Tacoma?
Tacoma drug rehab costs can range from zero in a free, government-funded program to many thousands for a luxury inpatient drug or alcohol rehab with plenty of amenities. Tacoma offers these kinds of rehabs and a variety of others as well. The cost of rehab depends on the type of program you choose and how you plan to pay for it.
Residential or inpatient treatment centers are typically the most expensive since they provide room, board, and around-the-clock support. Outpatient programs generally are considerably less costly than residential programs since clients can stay at home and meet with therapists and counselors regularly. Rehab programs can also vary across the spectrum of their services, such as when a person in an inpatient rehab continues with aftercare through an outpatient program or a sober living arrangement.
The cost of Tacoma alcohol rehabs or drug rehabs can also depend on the kind of payment options available. For example, insurance, payment plans, sliding fee scales, or financial aid can reduce upfront and out-of-pocket costs for rehab or eliminate those costs.
How Does Tacoma Compare in Alcohol and Drug Use?
In 2021, the number of drug overdose deaths in Washington State topped 2,000. Today, that number continues to grow as the state battles rising cases of addiction to drugs ranging from traditional street drugs like heroin and cocaine to prescription medications like oxycodone and fentanyl.1 Fortunately, there are 148 options for alcohol and drug rehab in Tacoma to meet the needs of almost everyone seeking treatment for substance abuse.
The port city of Tacoma, of Pierce County, is experiencing an uptick in the number of people using illegal drugs and misusing prescription ones, especially fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that’s often used for lacing street drugs like heroin for greater potency.

Washington State’s national ranking is15th in the nation for drug abuse.

Methadone accounts for more than half the drug seizures in Pierce County

Fentanyl seizures have jumped from just 9% in 2020 to 25% in 2021.2

19% of all adults have used an illicit substance in the previous year.3
Drug and Alcohol Laws in Tacoma
In general, Tacoma’s drug and alcohol laws follow the relatively liberal laws of Washington State, which has legalized both recreational and medical cannabis for anyone over 21.13. In 2021, new legislation changed simple possession of an illegal substance from a felony to a misdemeanor, although penalties still include fines and/or jail time. Alcohol is legal for anyone over 21 to purchase, but DUI convictions can result in fines, jail time, or loss of license.
Washington State considers drug and alcohol misuse as a disability, and new policies are aimed at treating these issues as a behavioral health concern.
The state’s health department now urges everyone to carry at least two doses of Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, to help prevent overdose deaths. Anyone can download a prescription for Naloxone that can be filled at any pharmacy in the state.
Resources
- Overdose Deaths in Washington Top 2000 in 2021 and Continue to Rise. (2022 Apr 12) Washington State Department of Health.
- Drug Trends Across Washington: Crime Lab Data. (2021) Addictions, Drug and Alcohol Institute. University of Washington.
- Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders in the Seattle-Tacoma Metropolitan Statistical Area.(n.d.) National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration..
- Mental Health and Substance Use Insurance Help. (n.d.) US Department of Health and Human Services.
- The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. (n.d.) US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- Medicaid and Medicare. (n.d.) Medicare.gov. US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- What is Methadone? (n.d.) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Velander, Jennifer. Suboxone: Rationale. Science, Misconceptions. (2018 Spring) The Ochsner Journal. 18(1): 23-29.
- What is Naltrexone? (n.d.) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- (n.d.) Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine Drug Information.
- Acamprosate.(n.d.) Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine Drug Information.
- City of Tacoma, Washington. (n.d.) City of Tacoma.
- Washington State and Federal Drug Laws. (d.) Spokane Community College, Community Colleges of Spokane.